Filed to story: Submitting to My Bestie’s Daddy Read Online >>
The glance didn’t go unnoticed, and one of the other men with Charles laughed. “It seems the two don’t like each other… that is a story I would love to hear.”
“No,” James firmly said. “Unfortunately, the events are about to start, and there just isn’t time for that at the moment. Shall we convene in the ballroom?”
I was glad for James’ interruption. Curious glances were being passed my way, and it did more than make me uncomfortable. I was slowly reconsidering my reason for being here. These weren’t my people.
Thankfully, no one continued on, and James began to slowly lead me towards the ballroom. It was beautiful, but before I could admire it, Tally grabbed my other arm.
“The least you can do is let my father walk me in there,” she whispered through clenched teeth.
Furrowing my brows in confusion, I looked to James, who quickly grabbed her hand and removed it from my arm. “You’re grown, Taliana. Walk in by yourself and stop acting out.”
She stood, mouth parted in shock, as she stammered to find words that were quickly lost to me as James continued on. Grand chandeliers hung from the ceilings with an elegance that was far superior to the entrance to this building.
“This is beautiful,” I said, as I took it all in.
“Yes, it is,” he replied, pulling me to face him. “I’m sorry about what happened before, Becca. I won’t let them bother you again, okay?”
“It’s okay, James. I have realized the kind of people they are, and at the end of the day, it’s only words. They aren’t physically hurting me.” My comment made him chuckle, and as he pulled me close, he leaned down, kissing me.
I knew there were eyes on me, and at the moment, I didn’t care. It was James and I… no one else mattered.
The evening flowed with drinks and delicious food. Throughout the night, I became acquainted with many faces, and amongst them were the faces of Velvet. I learned quickly Andrew was an architect and Marianna was the owner of four different restaurants, as well as the co-owner of a beach hotel.
It was amazing to see these people outside of the dark and ominous vibe of Club Velvet. For a moment, it made everything seem normal, and as if my happiness was building, a cloud slowly started to come near me.
That cloud’s name was Charles, and the look in his eye made me cautious.
“James, you can’t just have this gorgeous woman standing around all night. How about I take her for a spin on the dance floor while you finish your conversation?”
Wide-eyed, I looked towards James, trying to remain calm. There was no way he was actually going to let this guy touch me. That would be ridiculous, right?
“If she would like to dance, I see no problem with that,” James replied, looking towards me. “Go have some fun. I’m almost done here.”
I was speechless. Was he being serious right now?
Not wanting to be rude, I reluctantly took Charles’ hand and let him lead me towards the dance floor. I didn’t want to be alone with this man, but there were many people out here, so I wasn’t actually alone.
“You are ravishing, Becca.” Charles said as we danced. “How is it that a man like James Valentino was able to capture such a beauty as yourself?”
“As he said… we met through family. Tally, to be exact,” I quickly explained, trying to keep the conversation away from the subject. Yet, Charles was persistent.
“Yes, so he said. However, from the look on his daughter’s face, I would say it wasn’t a willing invitation. So let me guess, you were friends?” His words made me quickly catch his gaze with a tight-lipped smile.
“It’s complicated.”
Laughter flowed from his lips as he nodded. “Oh, I bet it was. The look on her face says she saw more than she wanted.”
“Charles, you don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied, rolling my eyes.
“Oh, I think I do. You see, Allison informed me of your and James’ situation. Nothing like a woman scorned… makes me wonder how long this was going on.”
My heart dropped into my stomach at his comment. What in the hell was Allison telling people? That was beyond ridiculous to even consider he was that type of person.
“Allison says a lot of things that make no sense. Being a compulsive liar is something she is good at, and considering the fact she is desperate and broke, well, that causes her to say what she needs to get a rich man’s money.”
I didn’t consider what I said before I said it, and as soon as the words left my lips, I regretted it.
“I had a feeling she was trying to scheme her way into someone’s pocket here,” he chuckled. “Aren’t you after James for the same thing?”
Narrowing my brows, I shook my head. “No, but someone like you would assume that, wouldn’t you?”
“Someone like me?” he replied with a grin. “You mean someone with money?”
I couldn’t take anymore of what he was doing. Stopping in my tracks, I removed my hands from his and took a step back.
“Look, I don’t know what you think you know, but no one here knows the real me but James. I don’t want anyone’s money because I can get my own. If you want someone to get information from, I would suggest speaking to Allison or her daughter. They are quick to do… just about anything for a buck.”
The suggestion in my words was clear, and Charles’ eyes got big as he laughed.
“You are a fascinating creature, Becca. I can see why James is so taken with you.”
Not bothering to say another word to him, I turned, making my way back to where James was, but quickly found he was still talking, and Allison was at his side laughing at whatever he was saying.
Perhaps coming here tonight wasn’t for the best.
Turning around, I made my way towards the door only to be stopped by two smiling faces I wasn’t expecting to see. Neal and Allegra.
Seeing Allegra was a breath of fresh air. The walls seemed to close in on me among the members of high society, who seemed to judge me without knowing who I was. “Becca, are you okay?”
Shaking my head, I blinked away tears threatening to build and laughed, shaking my head. “It’s already a shit show. I think coming here was a mistake.”
“Oh, hell no,” she replied. “You look like a goddess tonight, Becca. You’re not going to let that two-faced, lying bitch make you feel out of place. Now, where’s James?”
Sighing, I looked over my shoulder to where he was with Allison, “With her.”
“I’m not surprised.” Allegra smirked. “Why weren’t you over there?”
“Because some guy named Charles James knows wanted to dance with me, and James just let him, even though I am supposed to be here with him.”
I was angry, yes, but more annoyed than anything.
James was too busy talking to his friends, and it wasn’t right of me to think he should spend all of his time with me. However, I thought this night was going to be special. Something he would share just with me, but I was wrong.
“Do you mean Charles, the pervy guy with brown hair who always looks like he is undressing you?” Allegra asked, placing her hand upon her hip.
“Yeah…” I said as I looked around. “That guy right there.”
As I pointed him out, Allegra followed my gesture and laughed. “Oh, hell no. You know what, if he wants to act like that, then let him? You can come spend time with us.”
Us…. I looked over at Neal, and he smiled down at me with his deep blue eyes.
He was incredibly attractive, and something about him I found rather pleasing, but he wasn’t James. It didn’t mean I couldn’t allow myself to have fun with them.
After all, Neal knew, in a way, I was with James.
“That sounds great,” I said, letting a heavy breath escape me.
“Wonderful!” Allegra exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “Why don’t you two go dance while I sort something out with someone quickly, and I will catch up with you after.”
I wasn’t sure what she had to do, but Allegra moved quickly and disappeared through the crowd before I could say anything.
Looking back at Neal, I smiled. “We don’t have to dance.”
“On the contrary. I would love to dance with you, Rebecca,” he replied, and the way he said my name made my heart flutter, almost like it did when James said it.
Holding out his hand, he stared at me, and with slight hesitation, I took his hand and let him lead me out to the dance floor.
When Charles had taken me, I was incredibly uncomfortable. However, when Neal took me and twirled me into his arms, I couldn’t help but smile and laugh.
I was grateful he was willing to take pity on someone like me. He didn’t have to dance with me or entertain me at all, but instead of mingling with his kind of people, he spent his time with me on the dance floor.
James.
“As I was saying, it’s a wonderful place to be.”
Caught in conversation with a few of the Lancasters of Miami, I had lost sight of Becca and couldn’t seem to place where she was at.
I had planned to finish a small conversation and then rescue her from Charles. Yet, Allison walked up with Tally and joined the conversation I was having. As much as I wanted to excuse myself, I couldn’t exactly do that.
It would have been considered rude, and these were not the people you wanted to be rude with. Anyone within the circle we lived in knew this.
“James!” Allegra called, causing me to turn with a smile on my face. Allegra stood before me in a silver sequined dress dripping with diamonds. She was always glamorous, but tonight, it seemed like she had gone the extra mile.
“Allegra. You are looking lovely as ever,” I replied as she leaned in, kissing either side of my face.
“So are you, James. It’s quite the turnout tonight.”
“Of course, it is. Who wouldn’t come?” Allison said from over my shoulder, and without skipping a beat, Allegra smirked and looked over at her.
“Oh, my word. Allison, you came. I assume your daughter is here as well, then?” Allegra asked, keeping her smile as sweet as possible.
However, I knew this side of her, and she was up to something. An uneasiness swept over me. “Allegra, I think Becca is somewhere around here…”
Her eyes met mine briefly, and her grin widened. “I know, dear. I saw her just a moment ago, but I wanted to take the time to come and say hello to everyone here.”
“Wise of you,” Allison quickly said, rolling her eyes.
“Why is that wise of me?” Allegra replied. “Is there something wrong with Becca?”
Allison scoffed before laughter left her lips. “Oh, please. A girl like that isn’t from our society. However, I suppose we can allow her a little taste of what it’s like to live as we do. Granted she doesn’t make a fool of herself.”